“Police spoke to both drivers and smelt intoxicants on Mr Ames-Greenall’s breath.

“He was breathalysed and recorded 57mg in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg.

“He was arrested. He admitted drinking a large whiskey at a house party in Tytherington and was on his way home.”

Magistrates were told Ames-Greenall had suffered from ill health and family problems.

Damien Simmons, defending, said; “Mr Ames has just retired after 40 years as an interior designer.

“He was forced to retire late in 2013 due to ill health.

“The stress and anxiety then led to him being diagnosed with rhumaoid arthritis in April 2014. In the same year he was involved in another traffic collision when he was driven off the road.

“The normally charismatic man became very withdrawn and was causing lots of concern to his wife. “At the same time his son was having some problems and he had to pick himself up and help him. He was overwhelmed. He decided to have a drink at a surprise party.

“It was a large whiskey, probably a double measure.”

Addressing magistrates directly Ames-Greenall said: “I very much regret that drink and I feel terribly guilty. I am very pleased that no one was injured.”